CONSERVATORYb-C-10OCT01-DD-HO The Oak Street faade, the Conservatory main entrance, provides a counterpoint between historical 19th century beaux arts detailing at 50 Oak St. with a new addition at 70 Oak St. that reflects the lightness and promise of the future.

CONSERVATORYb-C-10OCT01-DD-HO The Oak Street faade, the...

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CONSERVATORY-C-10OCT01-DD-HO Artist's rendering of the new Concert Hall. The dramatic concert hall showcasing the Conservatory Orchestra and seating up to 450.

Photo: HANDOUT

CONSERVATORY-C-10OCT01-DD-HO Artist's rendering of the new Concert...

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conserve05-c_100503_B/W_sun datebook_Pink_14_23p10 by 3.06_walt 7938

Conservatory's new digs / Venerable music school anticipates move to downtown facility in '06

With last week's groundbreaking ceremony at 50 Oak St., the San Francisco Conservatory of Music officially opened a new chapter in its 86-year history.

Having long since outgrown the facilities at 19th Avenue and Ortega that it has called home since 1956, the school plans to open its new facility in the fall of 2006.

The new building, designed by the San Francisco architectural firm Simon Martin-Vegue Winkelstein Moris with the involvement of acoustician Lawrence Kirkegaard, will mark a huge expansion for the Conservatory. The plans call for a building nearly twice the size of the existing facility, with no fewer than three performance spaces and a wealth of new classrooms, practice rooms and teaching studios.

"We've been into this project now for three years, and what we've been able to achieve in that time is quite remarkable, given the state of the economy," he said recently.

The Conservatory has raised $37.5 million toward its fund-raising goal of $65 million, Murdoch said. The rest of the $80 million cost will come from tax- exempt bonds from the California Educational Facilities Authority and from the sale of the existing property.

In addition to the sheer increase in elbow room, the Conservatory is counting on its new location near Civic Center to put it closer to the heart of the city's musical life.

"We present more than 1,600 public performances a year, the vast majority of which are free," Murdoch said. "We think people will be able to attend our performances more easily, and we anticipate that enrollment in lessons and classes will rise.

"Coming to the Civic Center will be like the landing of a very large ship filled with talented, exciting people."

In the meantime, performances continue as usual at the Conservatory. Here is a list of concerts scheduled for the rest of the fall. Unless otherwise indicated, all events take place in Hellman Hell, 1201 Ortega St. Many Conservatory performances are free; call (415) 759-3475 or visit www.sfcm.edu.